Wire spool cart

ABSTRACT

A dolly or cart for rotatably holding one or more wire dispensing spools comprising a cylinder disposed between a pair of round end flanges. The dolly includes at least three parallel retaining rods extending between a pair of spaced apart end walls when the dolly is in the storage or transport position whereby the top of the dolly can be lowered and supported by a stand for use in its resting horizontal position. At least one and preferably a plurality of spools are disposed between and supported by the rods with the spools being stacked one upon another when the dolly is in the vertical position and stacked end to end with the spool flanges supported by the rods in the in-use horizontal position. Upon lowing the dolly in a resting position parallel to the surface of the ground, the spools are positioned to freely rotate between the retaining rods. The rods are configured so that when the dolly is in the in-use horizontal resting position at least one rod is at or near the bottom and the other two form the top of the configuration. Means for removably attaching at least one of the rods comprises a moveable rod wherein at least one end is removably held within a slot formed in an end wall and wherein the distal end of the movable rod extends slightly past the end wall. A spring urges the movable rod towards one end of the slot so that this rod tends to hold or capture spools and bias them against the other rods. The movable rod mechanism can also be duplicated and provided for use on the opposing end wall in order that both ends of the movable rod are releasably held in position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field carts used to hold wire reels for the purpose of dispensing wire.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the wiring industry it is often necessary to run a number of individual wires together as a bundle or to use a variety of different size or types of wires in a particular application.

Carts, dollies, or racks typically used to dispense wire today include a rod or pipe to be used as an axle. A spool of wire contains apertures or other guide means through which the axle is passed, after which time the axle is mounted on the cart. The spool rotates on the axle as the wire is pulled and dispensed from the spool. Typically, these racks allow the spool to rotate freely while the wire is being dispensed. When the wire is being pulled, the spool or spools build up momentum. When the user stops pulling, that momentum will cause the spools to continue to spin, causing the wire to uncoil, which in turn causes the wire to wrap and tangle around the axle. When pulled again, the wire will tighten and become snagged around the axle. At this point, the user must stop working and walk back to the wire rack to untangle the wire from the axle. Further, when a spool has 25 to 50 feet of wire remaining, the smaller coils left on the spool tend to bind as they pull off, and cause jerks and tangles as the final feet of wire are removed therefrom.

Another problem with axle mounted spools is that if more than one spool is mounted on a single axle the electrician must at least partially remove the axle from the rack to change an empty spool, and possibly remove one or more unemptied spools in order to replace an empty spool and then put the unemptied spools back on the axle. This respooling process is cumbersome, unproductive and time consuming. Movable spool separators which slide along the rods to separate the spools and keep the wire from different spools from interfering with one another are often impractical when used with spools rotatably mounted on an axle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Several prior art racks for wire dispensing spools have attempted to overcome some of the above described problems. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,232, Lambert shows a wire dispensing cart capable of dispensing multiple wires simultaneously. The dispenser includes a box-shaped frame with axial spool holders with tension arms dragging against the spools to prevent backlash. Lambert tension arms are cumbersome and will wear or bend and become ineffective, at which time the backlash problems will return. Further, Lambert doesn't address the problem of unwind issues during the last 25 to 50 feet of wire on the spool.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,094 B1, Campbell recites a utility cart with a carry all rack above. Below are individual horizontal rods fixed at one end to central posts with the other end free to hang and rotatably fasten a spool into place. Spools can't interfere with one another but backlash is still a problem. Campbell also doesn't prevent unwinding problems during the last 25 -50 feet of wire left on a spool.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,928, Lassiter teaches a cart with multiple parallel rollers on rods which are fixed between two parallel walls. The rods are grouped in fours where the four rods are configured in a square pattern with two rods above and two rods below. The square pattern is sized so that a spool of a given diameter just fits in the square pattern. One of the two rods is held within horizontal slots at each end and each end is urged toward the ends of the other rod. A user may pull the rod in the slot against the springs and away from the other rod in order to allow a spool to slide down between and through the rods, then down onto the lower rods. Lassiter does not provide adjustable spring tension or movable spool separators. Further, Lassiter teaches two rear wheels and two front wheels with a braking means which are unnecessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The dolly comprises a generally rectangular frame including a pair of longitudinal rods, or rails which are connected together at the top by a cross member or may comprise a continuous loop extending from a bottom frame member defining a base plate extending a selected length and width from a front side of the frame for sliding in under an object to be moved such as a container or other item. A pair of wheels or coasters or other type of rollers are mounted onto an axle and held by a carriage assembly which may comprise a pair of longitudinal members or extending from the back of the frame opposite the base Optionally the dolly includes a handle which may be formed from a loop extending from the back of the frame opposite the base plate. The wheels are typically positioned so that in an upright position the wheels hold the dolly erect in a vertical position with the base plate resting horizontally on the supporting surface. The dolly of the present invention includes a foot member representing a nonskid surface to support the dolly in a horizontal position. While the dolly of the instant invention is shown including a base plate, a cross member extending between the longitudinal rods or rails would provide the requisite structural support necessary to support the spool dispensing arrangement of the present invention.

The present invention provides a wire dispensing spool dolly or cart including a frame supporting two opposing walls with at least three parallel rods attached perpendicular to the walls configured to support spools at the circumferential edges thereof. In at least one three rod embodiment, a fixed position rod is disposed on the bottom when the dolly is lowered in the horizontal in use position. The rods are configured to just allow a spool of a given diameter to be rotatably held within. At least two of the rods are rigidly spatially fixed to the two opposing end walls. At least one end of a moveable rod is biased inwardly toward the center of the end wall and held within a slotted aperture formed in at least one and preferably both end walls. The distal end of each movable end of the movable rod is urged toward the center of the end wall(s) by a spring or other biasing means such as an elastic member such as a band forming an expandable gate means through which a spool is be urged, at which point the spool is captured in the configuration of rods and held in place by spring tension holding the movable rod against the spool. The spool may likewise be removed by urging the spool out through the gap formed by biasing the distal end of the movable rod. Use of a spring release mechanism on both ends of the movable rod provides means for insertion or removal of a spool from either end of the dolly when in the horizontal in use position. The present invention may used to dispense wire, cable, rope, chain, ribbon, or anything which comes on a spool.

More particularly, the present invention provides for a dolly for rotatably holding one or more wire dispensing spools, each spool comprising a cylinder disposed between a pair of round end flanges. The dolly includes at least three parallel retaining rods extending between a pair of spaced apart walls which define end walls when the dolly is in the storage or transport position and when the dolly is lowered into its resting horizontal position provide a controlled release of the wire held upon the spool(s). At least one, and preferably, a plurality of spools are disposed between and supported by the rods with the spools being stacked one upon another when the dolly is in the vertical position and stacked end to end with the spool flanges supported by the rods in the in-use horizontal position. Upon lowing the dolly in a resting position parallel to the surface of the ground, the spools are positioned to freely rotate between the retaining rods. Preferably, the rods are configured and spaced apart from one another so that when the dolly is in the in-use horizontal resting position at least one rod is at or near the bottom and the other two form the top of the configuration to facilitate rotation. At least two of the rods are rigidly fixed between the end walls. At least one rod is movable in that it can be pulled or moved apart from the other rods a selected distance. The moveable rod has at least one distal end held within a slot formed into a selected end wall and extends slightly past each of the end walls. A releasable spring at affixed to a selected point of the end wall urges the distal end of the movable rod towards one end of the slot so that the rod tends to hold or capture spools against the other rods.

Alternatively, a moveable rod can be connected to a pivot arm with springs means secured to a selected point on the end wall in order to releasably urge the rod to a spool embracing position. To insert a spool or remove a spool from the dolly, the user just pushes or pulls the spool hard enough to overcome the spring tension. Any one of a plurality of spools held within the rods can he removed or replaced without disturbing any of the other spools. The cart has wheels at one end and a handle at the other for transport of the cart and contents. The spool cart can be used to dispense wire, cable, rope, chain, ribbon, or anything which comes on a spool. Further, a wire spool frame is presented which has no handle or wheels but instead has lugs or brackets that can be used to mount the frame where needed.

With no axle in the spools, any one of a plurality of spools held within the rods can be removed or replaced without disturbing any of the other spools. This is another valuable advantage obtained by the present invention.

In accordance with the present invention, a wire spool cart for dispensing wire from a spool comprising a frame having two opposing end walls. The end walls have at least three parallel longitudinal members extending therebetween. The longitudinal members are configured to support spools by the circumferential edges. At least one longitudinal member is at the bottom and two longitudinal members are at the top.

The at least one bottom longitudinal member and a first one of the two longitudinal members are rigidly fixed to the two end walls. The second one of the two longitudinal members is movable within slotted apertures in each end wall and each end of the second longitudinal member is urged toward a spool embracing position by a spring. The two longitudinal members thus form a flexible gate through which a spool is urged. The configuration of longitudinal members captures the spool and holds the spool in place by spring tension holding the second longitudinal member against the spool.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire spool cart for dispensing wire from a plurality of spools simultaneously.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire spool cart for dispensing wire which allows the spools to rotate by means of the circumferential edges of the spool end walls sliding within the at least three rods which hold the spool or spools captive rather than having the spool spinning on an axle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire spool cart for dispensing wire wherein the spool is captured between at least three rods supporting the circumferential edges of the spool end wall and wherein one of the rods is movable and is held in slots on each end with springs urging the ends of the movable rod toward and against the spool and wherein the spring tension may be adjusted.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire spool cart for dispensing wire wherein the angular momentum caused by speedy unwinding of a spool wire is resisted and controlled by the friction of the circumferential edges of the spool walls sliding within the at least three rods, thereby preventing backlash and ensuing tangling of wire around an axle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire spool cart for dispensing wire which has an auxiliary rod which is used to enable the unimpeded pulling of the last 25-50 feet of wire from a spool.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire spool cart for dispensing wire which may be easily temporarily or permanently mounted is a selected position for use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire spool cart for dispensing wire which includes movable separators used to separate the rolls as is needed or desired.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire spool cart for dispensing wire which includes two wheels at one end of a wire spool cart frame, a handle for moving the cart with spools and a rubber foot mounted on the handle to act as stabilizing means which will be necessary while pulling several wires at the same time.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wire spool frame for dispensing wire which is temporarily or permanently mounted on any surface such as the floor, a shelf, a truck bed, or on any selected frame to be used to dispense anything which can be rolled off of a spool.

Two brackets are mounted at a first end of the frame. The brackets include an axle with two wheels, one at each end. A handle is disposed at a second end of the frame whereby the handle and the wheels allow the transport of the wire spool cart.

A dolly or cart for rotatably holding one or more wire dispensing spools comprising a cylinder disposed between a pair of round end flanges. The dolly includes at least three parallel retaining rods extending between a pair of spaced apart end walls when the dolly is in the storage or transport position whereby the top of the dolly can be lowered and supported by a stand for use in its resting horizontal position. At least one and preferably a plurality of spools are disposed between and supported by the rods with the spools being stacked one upon another when the dolly is in the vertical position and stacked end to end with the spool flanges supported by the rods in the in-use horizontal position. Upon lowing the dolly in a resting position parallel to the surface of the ground, the spools are positioned to freely rotate between the retaining rods. The rods are configured so that when the dolly is in the in-use horizontal resting position at least one rod is at or near the bottom and the other two form the top of the configuration. Means for removably attaching at least one of the rods comprises a moveable rod wherein at least one end is removably held within a slot formed in an end wall and wherein the distal end of the movable rod extends slightly past the end wall. A spring urges the movable rod towards one end of the slot so that this rod tends to hold or capture spools and bias them against the other rods. The movable rod mechanism can also be duplicated and provided for use on the opposing end wall in order that that both ends of the movable rod are releasably held in position.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent with the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the views wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective end view of the wire spool cart;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a end wall showing rod placement, apertures, slots and an adjustable spring;

FIG. 3 is perspective view of a floor or shelf mountable wire spool frame;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a end wall including an adjustable spring; and

FIG. 5 is a front view of end wall 16 including a pivot arm rather than a slot.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a wire spool dolly or cart 10 used for the dispensing of wire, cable, rope, chain, ribbon, or anything which comes on a spool 8 each spool comprising a cylinder disposed between a pair of round end flanges. As best shown in FIG. 1, the wire spool cart 10 includes a rectangular frame 30 formed from angle iron or tubular members, wherein the side members 9 are spaced apart and parallel from one another extending upward from a base 11 and forming a top end or top horizontal member 13 by either curving upward in a continuous curve or with the side members or side rails being joined to a top horizontal member by welding bolting together or the like. Optionally as shown in one preferred embodiment a handle 32 extends from a centrally disposed longitudinal brace 15 extending from the top end member to the base. The handle can be formed from an outwardly curved portion of the longitudinal brace or be attached by welding a member onto the back of the longitudinal brace facing the user. A foot 34 comprising a non slip material or a metal or plastic member covered by a non slip material can optionally be added to extend from the handle so that upon tilting the dolly downward in the horizontal in-use position the dolly frame lies in a horizontal plane supported by the handle and wheels 36, 38 which are mounted on an axle 37 attached to a pair of braces 17 which extend rearward of the frame 30 and at a height selected so that positioning the frame or dolly in an upright position allows the wheels to support the dolly in the vertical position together with the base. The base 19 of the frame comprises a longitudinal member or preferably a flat plate 121 extending from the distal end of one side rail to the other and projecting outwardly a selected distance of 1 to 12 inches to support an object placed thereon for transport. As shown in one preferred embodiment in FIGS. 1-3, the spool or reel assembly comprises a first top end wall 14 rigidly mounted perpendicular to the frame 30 of cart 10 near the handle 32. A second bottom opposing end wall 16 is rigidly mounted perpendicular to the frame 30 of cart 10 near the wheels 36 and 38 and faces end wall 14. At least three longitudinal members defining rods, tubes, or the like extend between the first and second end walls spaced apart and parallel from one another. It is contemplated that the reel assembly can be removed from the cart or dolly and permanently or removably mounted onto the bed of a vehicle or permanently or removably mounted to a wall as an independent unit.

End wall 16, as best shown in FIG. 2, contains apertures 21 and 23 and slot 25 configured in an approximate equilateral triangle which is sized to contain a circle whose diameter is the same as the diameter of a spool to be used therein. Rods 20, 22 and 24 extend through apertures 21, 23 and slot 25, respectively. Rod 24 is free to traverse the entire slot 25 and is attached to one end of a biasing means such as a rubber strap, elastic strap or a spring 42. The other end of spring 42 is attached to a eye-bolt member 46 which is movably held within slot 48. The end wall 14, 16 may comprise a flat plate or be formed of a flat plate including side walls extending around a selected edge forming a box as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 providing space for the ends of the rods to extend into and thought the holes formed in the end walls. The retaining rods can be retained by pins 231, or set screws 112 cooperatively engaging collars 111 removably slidably held onto the distal end of the retaining rods on at least one end. The opposing end of the retaining rods may be held in position by a insertion into a bore and retained by a pin or collar, or a cavity 113 formed in the face of the end wall. Furthermore, a lug 77 or retaining ring may be formed around the hole formed in the end wall for additional structural support.

End wall 14, as best shown in FIG. 4, contains apertures 31 and 32 and slot 26 configured in an approximate equilateral triangle which is sized to contain a circle whose diameter is the same as the diameter of a spool to be used therein. Rods 10, 22 and 24 extend through apertures 31, 32 and slot 26, respectively. Rod 24 is free to traverse the entire slot 26 and is attached to one end of a biasing means comprising a coiled spring 43. The other end of spring 43 is attached to a eye-bolt member 47 which is movably held within slot 49. Rods 20 and 22 are held parallel to one another. When a spool or multiple spools are being held against rods 20 and 22, rod 24 is parallel with rods 20 and 22, as well. Of course, the first and second end walls may be formed with a plurality of holes 66 matching holes therein in order that the rods can be moved inwardly or outwardly a selected equal distance from one another to accommodate smaller or larger spools as shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 4, an optional feature includes a pipe or tube 56 or other longitudinal member extending a selected distance perpendicular to the end wall to support a spool thereon. The tube 55 can be raised or lowered a selected height by a positioning means such as a having a rod 56 held in a selected position by insertion of a pin 57 into a corresponding hole formed therein. Additional support is achieved by mounting the rod 56 coaxially within a tubular member or pipe 55 disposed within periphery of the end wall. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, rod 56 is in a raised position to be used to rotatably hold a spool which is almost empty. In this position, the wire is simply pulled from the spool and allowed to fall to the floor and then to be pulled freely along with the other wires rather than to snag and cause problems.

Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that enough downward pressure on spool 60 will overcome spring 42 and cause rod 24 to be urged down into slot 25 in order to allow spool 60 to move down onto rods 22 and 20 after which rod 24 will return under spring tension to the top portion of slot 25. In this position, spool 60 is held in place but may rotate or spin within the embrace of rods 20, 22 and 24. Eye-bolt 46 may be shifted to the right within slot 48 and there fastened to cause more spring tension within spring 42 thus causing a firmer embrace of the three rods around spool 60, when needed.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5, which includes a pivot arm 76 connected to each end of the movable rod 24 rather than the rod sliding in slots 26. Pivot arms 76 rotate on pins 74. One end of spring 42 is connected to pin 72 which is rigidly fastened to endwall 16. The other end of spring 42 is connected to pivot arm 76. Rod 24 is connected to the free end of arm 76. When a spool 60 is pushed into the gap between rods 20 and 24, this causes pivot arm 76 to rotate about pin 74 and stretch spring 42. The smooth rotating of arm 76 is preferable to the sliding of rod 24 within a slot such as in FIG. 5.

Still another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. Rather than having a handle and wheels for transport, wire spool frame 12 has brackets 62 and 64 which may be used to temporarily or permanently attach frame 12 to any surface such as the floor, a shelf, a truck bed, or some other frame or rack for use. It is anticipated that other types of mounting means such as angle brackets, lugs may be used to mount frame 12. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, intermediate walls 52, 54 can be disposed between the first and second end walls. By drilling a plurality of equally spaced apart corresponding holes in the first and second end walls, and the intermediate walls it is possible to accommodate spools of different diameters on the same cart

All frame members can made from any material of sufficient strength such as steel, iron, fibreglass, and so on. However, rods 20, 22 and 24 need to be strong, hard and smooth because the spools must slide on them as they spin, and a rough surface would cause to much resistance to spin. A preferred embodiment uses stainless steel rods.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this invention is not intended to be limited by the specific exemplification presented herein above. Rather, what is intended to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A wire spool cart for dispensing wire from a spool comprising: a frame having a first end wall and a second end wall fixed at each end thereof, said first and second end wall having at least three parallel longitudinal members connected there between, said longitudinal members configured to support spools at the circumferential edges thereof, wherein at least one longitudinal member is at the bottom and two longitudinal members are at the top; said at least one bottom longitudinal member and a first one of said two longitudinal members being rigidly fixed to said first end wall and said second end wall, a second one of said two longitudinal members being movable within slotted apertures in each of said first and second end wall, each end of said second longitudinal member being urged toward a spool embracing position by a spring, said two longitudinal members thus forming a flexible gate through which a spool is urged, said configuration of longitudinal members capturing said spool and holding said spool in place by spring tension holding said second longitudinal member against said spool; two brackets mounted at a first end of said frame, said brackets including an axle; two wheels, one at each end of said axle; and a handle disposed at a second end of said frame, said handle and said wheels allowing the transport of said wire spool cart.
 2. The wire spool cart defined in claim 1 wherein said handle includes a foot member extending in a direction perpendicular to a bottom of said frame to support said second end of said frame, said foot having its bottom surface which resists sliding across a floor surface.
 3. The wire spool cart defined in claim 1 wherein one of said first and second end wall includes a tube having pair of transverse apertures formed therein, said tube containing a longitudinal member having a pair of transverse apertures formed therein, said longitudinal member being fastened with a pin through a selected one of said transverse apertures in either a raised position for use or a lowered non use position, said longitudinal member capable of rotatably holding a spool for unwinding wire therefrom.
 4. The wire spool cart defined in claim 1 wherein the tension of said spring can be adjusted.
 5. A wire spool cart for dispensing wire from a spool comprising: a frame having two opposing first and second end wall fixed at each end thereof, said first and second end wall having at least three parallel longitudinal members connected there between, said longitudinal members configured to support spools at the circumferential edges thereof, wherein at least one longitudinal member is at the bottom and two longitudinal members are at the top of a spool embracing configuration; said at least one bottom longitudinal member and a first of said two longitudinal members being rigidly fixed to said two first and second end wall, each of said first and second end wall including an arm pivoting on a pin and having a free end connected to one end of a second of said two longitudinal members, each of said arms being connected to one end of a spring, the other end of said spring being connected to said end wall by a pin, said spring urging said second arm to a spool embracing position; said two longitudinal members thus forming a flexible gate through which a spool is urged, said configuration of longitudinal members capturing said spool and holding said spool in place by spring tension holding said second longitudinal member against said spool; two brackets mounted at a first end of said frame, said brackets including an axle; two wheels, one at each end of said axle; and a handle disposed at a second end of said frame, said handle and said wheels allowing the transport of said wire spool cart.
 6. A wire spool frame for dispensing wire from a spool comprising: two opposing first and second end wall fixed at each end thereof, said first and second end wall having at least three parallel longitudinal members connected there between, said longitudinal members configured to support spools at the circumferential edges thereof, wherein at least one longitudinal member is at the bottom and two longitudinal members are at the top of a spool embracing configuration; said at least one bottom longitudinal member and a first of said two longitudinal members being rigidly fixed to said two first and second end wall, each of said first and second end wall including an arm pivoting on a pin and having a free end connected to one end of a second of said two longitudinal members, each of said arms being connected to one end of a spring, the other end of said spring being connected to said end wall by a pin, said spring urging said second arm to a spool embracing position; said two longitudinal members thus forming a flexible gate through which a spool is urged, said configuration of longitudinal members capturing said spool and holding said spool in place by spring tension holding said second longitudinal member against said spool; a first mounting bracket connected at a first end of said frame; and a second mounting bracket connected at a second end of said frame, said first bracket and said second bracket being capable of supporting said frame and for connecting said frame to a selected surface or support stand. 